‘One Voice’ clarification

As reported Tuesday, the city has prepared a wish list of items for the upcoming “One Voice” trip to Washington in April. In the article, it was noted that items from last year’s One Voice trip had yet to receive federal funding. But the story should have been clearer.

For one thing, the projects have received millions of dollars, just not yet as a result of last year’s trip. Additionally the One Voice process, as Paul Rapp of the San Joaquin Regional Transit District explained, is much more complex than showing up with a wish list and flying home with a bag of money. The One Voice trips raise awareness in Washington of San Joaquin County needs; that provides opportunities over time for the federal administration to make San Joaquin County officials aware of funding opportunities.

So, mea culpa for not being more detailed in the explanation the other day.

Rapp, by the way, provided details by email of the path to funding for one specific project — a Regional Transit Center:

“The RTC project began without any identified funding. But through support of the project by RTD staff, elected officials, and SJCOG as part of the One Voice process, and hard work on the part of RTD staff to successfully compete for federal grant funds, we have secured $17.7 million, or 35% of the $51.1 million project costs, in federal funds.”

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Roger Phillips

Roger Phillips covers Stockton City Hall for The Record. He has been at The Record since 2006. After spending most of his time at The Record writing about education, he has moved into the city government beat. Read Full